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Saturday, August 31, 2013

I fully believe that when things align something will happen (hopefully for the best), but during the time when things are still aligning you can run into a limbo phase where it feels like nothing is happening. I know things are lining up, but I am in that limbo phase.

I am going to go through and see what else I have to do for moving. Maybe there is something I'm missing.

1. Land a teaching job in Arizona.
2. Contact & secure a place for rent in AZ. I have places in mind, but this can't be done until I have a job.
3. Rent small uhaul, pack shit up, and leave OR. Should take 3-4 days to pack up uhaul and drive down to AZ. I can be down there in 7 days, no problem.
4. Start work within a week of moving.

I guess I could always clean out my truck. I could pack stuff up and have practically NOTHING out. Leave a plate and a bowl out, that sort of thing.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Are there any rockabilly projects that you want to see done? Need some help figuring out how to do something? Let me know. I'll try to get it done. I am still waiting to hear back from that job (and yes I've applied to a bunch of them, but that last one had a lot of potential). Just leave me a message in the comments area.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

I took care of the last big obstacle BEFORE moving today. I put in my 30 day notice for my apartment complex. This gives me 30 days from today to secure a job. I'm a little disappointed about having to stay another month, but I will probably be happy to have the extra days. I'm so anxious, I don't know if I want to cry or laugh or go run a few miles (and I've already been to the gym and to yoga class today). I also feel a little like hyperventilating or something.

Its not the best picture. The skirt actually has a cherry applique on the corner I'm holding up (which is why I'm holding it up). This skirt took me...maybe 40 minutes to make, but most of that was taking my time with the tiny red ribbon around the bottom.

I want to revisit my goals that I posted before. Here they are as they are already posted.

1. Land a teaching job in Arizona.
2. Get an apartment in AZ.
3. New windshield, fix cv boots
4. Rent small uhaul, pack fit up, and leave OR. Should take 3-4 days to pack up uhaul and drive down to AZ
5. Start work within a week of moving.
6. Level up in happiness for job, change, and being closer to my guy.

Here's the slightly updated version.

1. Land a teaching job in Arizona. Looking to be tricky, but keep at it.
2. Contact the rental agents for top three rental house choices and get one ready in AZ.
3. Contact apartment complex manager and discuss moving out of this dumb apartment. Where the fuck is this guy?! I need to talk to him.
4. New windshield on Monday. Get to bank to have money ready. Oil change in the next few days.
5. Rent small uhaul, pack fit up, and leave OR. Should take 3-4 days to pack up uhaul and drive down to AZ
6. Start work within a week of moving.
7. Level up in happiness for job, changing location, and being closer to my guy.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

I don't need to replace my CV boots for another year. Also, I am getting my windshield replaced on Monday! Now I don't have to worry about it breaking and slicing my head off when I'm on the highway. Damn that guillotine effect.

I have most of my things packed and I am ready to just land a job and get the fuck out of Portland. All ready! UNIVERSE, I AM READY TO MOVE! (Can't move until I get a job.)

Since I've done all I can really do for tonight, I am going to make myself a skirt. I picked up some fabric when I was on the coast and washed it while I overnighted at my aunt's house. I will post pictures.

Friday, August 16, 2013

I was wandering around downtown Gresham, OR today. I stopped in at Foxtrot Vintage (227 N. Main Ave) and next to the cashier I saw a stand with swanky lamp shades. I asked about them and found out that they are made by a local Gresham artist, Henry Fancher, and they can be custom ordered. He makes them out of fiberglass parchment (as they used to be made in the 50s) and he also hand-paints them.

"I can blog about that!" was my initial thought.

Go check out this website http://www.retromoddesign.com/ and be sure to look through the online gallery to see a bunch of these shades. You can go to Foxtrot Vintage to put in a custom order or use the website. There are single, double, and triple tier shade options and they come in a variety of colors and patterns!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

I just got this book through Amazon. It's about the Cartoon Modern movement between the 1940s to the 1960s. It discusses the influences on the movement: cubism, organic biomorphic forms, abstract work, printing, minimalism, geometric forms, and caricatures. It has a large amount of work that should be look at as the basis for the movement. In fact, I'll post up a few short animated episodes so you can get a well rounded idea.

I can't stop going through this book. Its given me so many ideas for a variety of projects.

One thing I can't quite place is where I would build this Ultimate Town. I'm thinking the southwest, like Arizona. I guess I would like a little bit of input. Where would you like to see a rockabilly/50s town?

Monday, August 12, 2013

I've been looking for a place to live that has a high amount of rockabillies and 1950s style. I don't know where that would be, so this is just a little something on the topic of what I want in a town. If you like it, please say something. I have a design project that I'm working on and I'd like to incorporate your ideas. Its pure fantasy of course, but if there's a business idea you have or if there's something that you'd want to see in a town like this (perhaps an art display or type of street lamp or street car or whatever) just let me know. I think I'll start posting up some of my designs. If you have some designs and want to share them, I can post them up too.

The Ultimate Town
I want a town that reflects the good nature of yesteryear (1940s and 1950s) Americana. I want to see mid-century modern architecture, googie architecture, and even some earlier modern architecture styles like arts and craft, art deco, streamline modern, and bauhaus. I want to have a cute little house based on some old house plans from the 50s with the white picket fence, the 55 Chevy Bel Air in the driveway, and a dog happy to see me. I want art, trees, and flowers in public spaces. I want a boardwalk, even along the bank of a river or lake, so people can enjoy the water. On Saturdays I want to be able to go down to the boardwalk to a farmers and crafts market. I believe in hard work and fair chances, and I believe that a town should reflect that by having fair housing prices, fair prices for commercial space rentals, and a strong work ethic. America needs to be a producer, to be self-sufficient, so I would like to see a few factories along the outskirts of town whether they're textile, recycling, producing furniture, bottling, or whatever. A downtown area of small shops, tattoo parlors, a neighborhood butcher, beauty salons and barber shops, hops, bars, tiki lounges, cafes, photography studios, bookstores, a retro appliance shop, and other such shops would be delightful, especially if they all maintained that 50s/rockabilly vibe. Musically I would like to see a big annual music festival focused on rock n roll, swing, rockabilly, and doo wop; also, a radio station just for the town that played music from the 40s and 50s, and modern rockabilly and swing. I think there should be a little record company in the same light as Sun Records.

I would like to see safe neighborhoods with a police force like that of Mayberry's, but perhaps with a bit of Dick Tracy as well. Its important for kids to feel safe and secure in the area they live. I would like to have a museum or a historical place of interest close by for the biased reason that I have a history degree. I'd prefer to see schools with a higher level of school standards and perhaps a small, private university worked into the area (art school, religious school, liberal arts, etc) to draw more young people in. I would like to be able to have the option of going to see an old film playing at some downtown theater, a new film at a new theater, or a play/performance being performed at a community theatre.

I want to stay away from architecture that lacks style. I don't want to see people walking down the street with their pants sagging past their butts. I don't want to worry about rising crime rates or racism in my area or people staring at me/making cat calls when I walk by in my rockabilly/50s outfits. I want what Norman Rockwell painted, what Andy Griffith portrayed, and the opportunity that graced Jailhouse Rock. I don't want to see a Ford Focus on the street, I'd rather see a 49 Buick Super or a 57 Ford Fairlane. I want to see baseball games, including a league of female only baseball like in A League of Their Own. I'd like roller derby to be a part of the town culture.

I would like to see the community have a holiday committee that takes on city decorating and events like community Christmas party and a tree lighting ceremony, a Halloween dance, a 4th of July parade and bbq in the park with a pie contest, etc. I want a place that I feel a part of and take pride in, but I want others to feel that way too. This means lawns are mowed, gardens are kept up, streets are clean, graffiti is kept to a minimum, and perhaps juvenile delinquents are made to assist in this by cleaning up public areas.

I'd like this paradise town to run on a strong mixture of tourism, the factories, outlying farms/vineyards, and music. I'd like the etiquette and morals of the town folk to encourage new-comers to step up to our standards. I'd like America to stop and say "Wow, now there's an American town!"

Sunday, August 11, 2013

I've been putting together a list of immediate goals...stuff I want done within the next month. I like to do this sort of thing fairly often. It keeps me on track and goal-oriented.

1. Land a teaching job in Arizona.
2. Get an apartment in AZ.
3. New windshield, fix cv boots
4. Rent small uhaul, pack fit up, and leave OR. Should take 3-4 days to pack up uhaul and drive down to AZ
5. Start work within a week of moving.
6. Level up in happiness for job, change, and being closer to my guy.

My Guy has been emasculated by his wife. No sex, no kissing, no nothing. It makes me so mad, but what can I do? Nothing. Nothing until I get moved. He hasn't had any since our night in December and he's gotten to the point of just not wanting anything to do with sex. No one should be like that. Just makes me want to deliver a knuckle sandwich. (I probably wouldn't unless openly provoked, but I like to think about it.)

He just took on a new taekwondo student, so congratulations to him. :)

Friday, August 9, 2013

While I love putting my hair up and being a little more particular about how I look nowadays, I want to admit to something that I've been doing on the side for a while now. Prepping. I'm a prepper. What that means is that I collect things and make plans in case there is a disaster/apocalypse/etc in the not-to-distant future. Let me put it this way, I have a bug out box (yes, I need a bag for my shit) that I could take with me into the woods and be fine out in the middle of nowhere for a few weeks.

I thought this would be an interesting break from my usual posts, BUT it also kind of fits in just nicely since being prepared was part of the 50s mentality. Just look at fallout shelters built in backyards.

I thought that my primary focus should be "how to take your first steps into being a prepper"

The first two things you absolutely need to get started prepping are: a bug out bag and a prepper notebook. Above is my personal prepper notebook. It comes color coded, but that's not necessarily something you need. Anyway, let me talk about the notebook, then I'll get into the bug out bag.

Prepper Notebook
I have my sections divided up into the following sections:

Shelter, Community, General

Fire, Cooking, Water

Hunting, Farming (animals)

Plants, Farming/Gardening (plants)

Medical

Warfare, Defense, Explosives

Starter Dossiers

The idea behind the notebook is that if something happens, you or anyone else can pick up this notebook and survive. Section 1 is all about various simple shelters, quick ways to de-stress, community rules (if you start to pick up people when something happens, you need basic rules), simple knots, how to make soap, a list of personal skills (extend this to a community list), etc. Section 2 has a bunch of ways to create fires and outdoor ovens, water collection, water filter, water purification, etc. Section 3 is about hunting, fishing, cleaning an animal, raising chickens and goats, animals to hunt in the local area, etc. Section 4 starts off with an ongoing list of seeds that I have, creating better soil for planting, wild plants to eat, etc. Section 5 is my most worked on section and has DIY plans for asprin, antibacterials, antihistamines, antifungals, herbal birth control, poison ivy and poison oak, etc. Section 6 has some info on creating a defensive structure, gunpowder, toxic plants, etc. Section 7 is where I've created my own dossier including education, interests, hobbies, skills, and basic medical information.

Bug Out Bag
A bug out bag is a pack full of absolute essential items that you will need for self survival. This is a starter list that you might want to add on to.

Pocket knife, 6" knife (or larger)

Creating fire: matches, lighter, magnesium stick

Emergency blanket (the ones folded up into tiny silver squares)

100' Rope (paracord works well)

Ziploc baggies (variety of sizes)

Writing: notebook, pencil, pen, sharpie

Pot, wooden spoon, bowl, spoon, fork, can opener

First aid kit, sun screen, toilet paper

Small blanket, tarp

Soap, washcloth, toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, lip balm)

Flashlight, batteries

Compass, map

Duct tape

Light food

Entertainment (novel, cards, etc)

Light food is important. Light food is food that is easy to open, light in weight, and can store easily. Many people throw MREs into their bug out bag, but I tend to eat paleo so not everything in an MRE works for me. Other people use raman, but its not very healthy for you. I would suggest the following: instant soup packets, beef jerky, tea, hot cocoa packets, instant coffee packets, nuts, dried fruit and veggies, raisins (yes, they are dried fruit, but people forget), instant oatmeal, and bouillon cubes. Try to avoid candy as the sugar rush will drain you later on.

Seeds (depending on what the situation is AND leafy greens grow the fastest)

Additional maps

Tools (hammer, screwdrivers, etc)

Trash bags

Spices, salt, pepper

Additional clothing

Heavy food

Heavy foods are going to be foods in cans or food that can expire relatively quick. I only recommend these for periods lasting longer than 2 weeks due to their bulkiness and weight. They'd work for a large group though. These would be: canned meat, canned veggies, canned fruit, potatoes, yams, onions, cookies, crackers, crisco, canned soup, dried milk, and hot dogs (and other "camp" food).

This is kind of a fun mental exercise at the least. What would you take if you had 15 minutes to grab stuff and get the hell out of town? Could you live in the woods for 2 weeks if you had to? Would you start going in a particular direction?

I saw this on Pinterest and wanted to address it. First off, click on the image to enlarge it and see how you measure up.

This picture illustrates the push for women to achieve the hourglass figure, the original voluptuous look before fat girls online started using it as a way to make themselves feel better about their extra curves fat rolls. I think these are fair measurements to aim for. You don't end up looking like a twig or a waif.

I don't feel bad about that statement. I was fat from thyroid issues from the time I hit puberty to about 10 years after I left high school, which wasn't too long ago. I have always been active and attempted to eat well, but that thyroid issue was a big blocker. Now I'm down to a size 6/7 and I cannot stand fat people who do nothing but complain and look for an easy out. Its not easy. You have to work out and watch what you eat all the time, just make that your new way of being and don't consider it a temporary thing.

Anyway, it looks like I have a little ways to go before I'd even come close to that chart in the picture.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Last night I whipped out this dress. It's a vintage pattern by Vogue #2902. It was pretty easy to make. I waited until this morning to put it on, so excuse the unbrushed hair. I'm not meaning to scare you. I wanted to have something that I could wear with a cardigan or by itself that was relatively simple.

I started working on my googie hanging mobile. If you're taking me up on my challenge, then I can't wait to see yours too. I don't know when I'll have mine done.

Monday, August 5, 2013

I was wandering around Target the other day, after looking through their shoe section which was awful. How many girls really want a pair of ballet flats in green camo print? Seriously, yuck. Anyway, I went down the audio isle just to look and found a few Crosley Radio items. I didn't know Target carried Crosley Radio! I figured I'd blog about it.

If you are in need of some retro audio equipment, take a look at what I'm posting.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

I've been slowly packing things up. I want to move, I've applied for work outside of Oregon, and I am ready. I reckon I could be totally ready to move in two weeks and that includes finding a place to move into and giving my two weeks notice at work. My library is completely packed up except for a few antique books, and most of my clothes are packed up. I'm about to pack up my dvds.

For a job well done today, I made myself a banana daquiri and a peach-strawberry cobbler (paleo!).

It didn't occur to me to this morning that I should mention something about what I wore.

I made the dress myself. It's Simplicity 2053, dress B. I made it a few months ago because I enjoy and seem to need projects. I was just happy to wear it. The fabric is by Alexander Henry, who has a nice selection of retro prints.

I was a little disappointed at how easy this pattern was. I sew enough that a real challenge means putting together a monster of a dress from old 18th century patterns or something (which I can do and have done).

The flower is from my first Rockabilly Project on the blog. The shoes are from...well I don't really remember, but they're made by Curfew.

If you like this dress and want to make yourself something, allow me to show you 4 neat prints from Alexander Henry that you might want to consider.

While this blog is focused around a gothabilly/50s perspective of life, I should let you all know that I like to go hiking and fishing, I like to have mini-adventures (real ones are far and few), I like to make food, I like art and movies, I like to workout, and so much more.